Oakland businesses shut due to crime surge.
Oakland Businesses Demand Increased Police Presence
OAN’s Abril Elfi
11:36 AM – Thursday, September 28, 2023
Over 200 businesses in Oakland, California, have participated in a one-day strike in hopes the city will place more police on the street due to rising crime rates.
Oakland businesses temporarily shut down on Tuesday afternoon to demand that city, county, and state leaders do more to safeguard small businesses and community residents from crime.
Sarah Ryan, the manager of a Mexican restaurant, told the press that the shut downs felt like another pandemic.
“It feels like another pandemic,” she said. “We’re calling for people to come in and visit our business so that we can stay in business. We are on a street that should be bustling all the time, and the foot traffic is just gone.”
On Tuesday morning, dozens of merchants and residents held a press conference outside Le Cheval, an Old Oakland Vietnamese restaurant whose owners have decided to close permanently this Saturday after 38 years of operation due to an increase in vehicle break-ins and commercial burglaries in the surrounding area.
Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce leader Dr. Jennifer Tran said that without basic safety there is no community.
“Without basic safety, there is no business,” Tran said. “Without basic safety, there is no community. Without safety, there is no city. Without basic safety, there is only chaos.”
Reportedly, District 5 Councilmember Noel Gallo, former Alameda County District Attorney candidate Terry Wiley, Oakland NAACP president Cynthia Adams, and Calabash owner Nigel Jones also spoke at the event.
Former Oakland Mayoral Candidate Loren Taylor and members of Neighbors Together Oakland, a nonprofit, attended but did not speak at the event.
According to a weekly crime report released on Monday, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) has received 1,109 reports of commercial burglaries across the city. This represents a 9% increase over the number of business burglary reports received in the city during the same period last year.
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How has the increase in vehicle break-ins affected the closure of local businesses like Le Cheval?
The same time period last year. In addition, there has been a 42% increase in reports of vehicle break-ins, with a total of 7,824 incidents reported.
These alarming statistics have left business owners and residents feeling unsafe and frustrated. They believe that the lack of police presence and action has emboldened criminals and led to a rise in crime rates. The one-day strike was a way for them to bring attention to this issue and demand immediate action.
The closure of Le Cheval, a beloved local restaurant, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of the rising crime rates. After nearly four decades of operation, the owners have been forced to close their doors due to frequent vehicle break-ins and commercial burglaries in the surrounding area. This closure not only affects the business owners but also the community that relied on it as a gathering place.
During the press conference, Dr. Jennifer Tran, leader of the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of basic safety in maintaining a thriving community. She stated that without safety, there is no business, no community, and ultimately no city. Her words resonated with the business owners and residents who have been living in fear and uncertainty.
The event also saw the participation of prominent local figures, including District 5 Councilmember Noel Gallo and former Alameda County District Attorney candidate Terry Wiley. Their presence at the event highlights the seriousness of the issue and the urgency for action. The support and solidarity shown by community leaders give hope to the businesses and residents who are demanding change.
The weekly crime report released by the Oakland Police Department further accentuates the need for increased police presence. With over 1,100 reports of commercial burglaries and a significant increase in vehicle break-ins, it is evident that immediate intervention is required. The business owners and residents are calling on city, county, and state leaders to prioritize their safety and take tangible steps to address the escalating crime rates.
The one-day strike was a powerful statement from the Oakland businesses, showcasing their determination and unity in demanding their right to safety and security. It is now up to the city and its leaders to respond effectively to their demands and ensure the well-being of their communities.
As Oakland grapples with the consequences of rising crime rates, it is crucial for all stakeholders to come together and find sustainable solutions. Increased police presence, improved community engagement, and enhanced security measures are just a few potential steps that can be taken to address the issue. By working together, Oakland can regain its reputation as a thriving and safe city for businesses and residents alike.
The one-day strike may have been a temporary closure, but it represented a much larger issue that needs to be urgently addressed. The businesses of Oakland have made their demands clear, and now it is time for the city to listen and act. The safety and security of the community should be the top priority, and it is imperative that adequate measures are implemented to restore peace and prosperity to Oakland.
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